Name: Zachary Heren
School: Illinois College
Position: OL
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 260

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

A goal of mine that I set for myself leading up to my final season was to improve and perfect my technique. I also had been working for All-American with the mindset of it being a manageable goal of mine. Instead of All-American I was able to receive 1st Team All-Conference for the third time in a row. I also was placed on the 2nd Team Preseason All-American list.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

They would say I’m a reliable and hardworking player that shows my dedication and love for football day in and day out, either on or off the field. They would say I’m a leader by example and that I do my job to the best of my ability with no questions asked and that I grind so that I can beat the best and become one myself.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?

During film, what I look for is how well I’m performing with the techniques I work on everyday. I try to see what’s missing or lacking and try to find out the quickest and most efficient way to get back on track. I also take a good portion of my time looking at my opponents to see their tendencies and what situations put them in an advantage or disadvantage, so I can use that as leverage in my games. The more I watch the opponent the easier it is to see what I am able to take advantage of.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

I am an underdog. I may not be the biggest or the strongest but what I lack in size and strength I make up for in drive, determination, and my work ethic. My competitive edge drives me to improve, I hate losing and I’ll do whatever it takes to win. This is why I will get stronger and better, because I know it’s what it takes to go to the next level. I am always there to better my team and myself so we can win.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

Coming from Illinois College I know I have to work even harder than the average prospect. That’s exactly what I plan to do. I am going to get bigger, stronger, and faster so that my progress can show on the field where it counts. I’ll be working on my speed coming off the ball as well as my strength to push back my opponents. I am going to improve on my pass sets and running blocking by going deep into my footwork and my sense of balance. I will work on whatever I need to get better and shine out of other pro prospects.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Despite my size, anything a team needs I can fill and will give my fullest to that position. I am a quick learner and I have a tendency to bring out the competitive side of everyone. When I work hard it seems to push my teammates to do the same. I’m a leader by example and I plan to do just that. I am also naturally athletic, making me strong and quick for my position putting me at an advantage against my opponent.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues?

When you look at my highlights and accomplishments I have earned throughout my career it’s easy to see I am a good football player, but I don’t want to be just good, I want to be great. I know I have what it takes to make it in the league and I know my work ethic and drive is what’s gonna take me there. I wanna be the reason a team becomes better than they are and wins.